First Step is a healthy family resource center serving Seneca, Sandusky, Wood, Wyandot, and Hancock counties in Northwest Ohio.

Since 1980, First Step has provided shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence.First Step operates a telephone crisis hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Domestic violence victims, their family, friends and significant others can speak to an advocate about abusive experiences and/or get information and resources to address specific issues such as housing or child care. Shelter is a critical feature of First Step's services for battered women.

Continually evolving to meet the needs of the community, First Step now provides a wide range of additional services including a shelter for male victims of domestic violence and programs to build healthy relationships, learn parenting skills, manage stress effectively, and develop life skills.

Today, First Step is for everyone wishing to improve the quality of their life and their relationships. First Step believes in the power of healthy families and also believes that individuals can learn the skills needed to develop and sustain these important relationships.

Whether you’re an expecting parent, a newly engaged couple, or an individual in a violent situation, First Step is here to help.

Address: P.O. Box 1103 Fostoria, OH 44830

Office Phone: 419.435.7300

Email: info@firststepweb.org

Office Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911.